Switch Settings - what do they mean ?

[Dolby]

So I usually buy cheap little TP Link switches which do the job without issues. Plug things in and they work - no settings or anything. So yesterday I decided to get a switch that I can log in ... so although it works, just wondering (in simple language) what these settings are. For every port, I can check a box for :

• Loop Unlock
• Flow Control

I also have Storm Control and IGMP Snooping.

Everything works by default, I'm just curious about what they are and the situations you'd use them in

 

[My_King]

Easiest way to say:

Loop - When someone plugs a network cable in on the same switch and plugs the other end in the same switch causing a loop.
Flow control : do you want the port to be 10Mbps half duplex full duplex, 100Mbps half duplex or full duplex.

 

[Sinbad]

Easiest way to say:

Loop - When someone plugs a network cable in on the same switch and plugs the other end in the same switch causing a loop.
Flow control : do you want the port to be 10Mbps half duplex full duplex, 100Mbps half duplex or full duplex.

No that's not flow control. That's duplex/speed.
Flow control is a protocol to stop the port or pc transmitting when buffers are full

 

[Dolby]

Thanks.

I don't get the loop though.

What does the check box do?
If I've got it connected correct (switch to device) and select it, what is the implication?
Or it's connected as you said and I don't select, what does it do?